Vehicles for Change (VFC) Detroit, a nonprofit organization that addresses transportation issues, received a grant of $135,000 from the Margaret Dunning Foundation to expand their Full Circle Auto Repair and Training Center in Detroit (Full Circle Detroit). The grant will support more people in the automotive training program that provides unemployed and underemployed Detroiters the opportunity to receive paid training and hands-on experience.

Full Circle Detroit also offers the local community discounted automotive services. The garage is open to the public and serviced by program trainees under the supervision of master mechanics with the goal of transitioning them to unsubsidized employment. Funds generated from the social enterprise help support its mission to empower families with financial challenges to achieve economic and personal independence through car ownership and technical training.

VFC Detroit is a subsidiary of Vehicles for Change Inc., which has been operating in Baltimore, Maryland, since 1999. Martin Schwartz, Vehicles for Change president, said, “We are thrilled to receive this grant from the Margaret Dunning Foundation and look forward to furthering our impact on Detroit.”